H.—2

XLVI

Upon the question being put, a division was called for, and the names were taken down as follows:— Aye. —Mr. Tanner. Noes. —Mr. Mackenzie, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Hutchison, Hon. Major Steward. So it passed in the negative. The Commission then proceeded to discuss the lines upon which the report should be framed. Mr. Mackenzie moved, That there be two classes of drapery : Free, and at 20 per cent. Negatived. Hon. Major Steward proposed, That the Commission proceed to draw up a tariff for all drapery, textiles, clothing, millinery, laces, feathers, flowers, &c, experimentally based on the lines of a free list, and 10 per cent., 20 per cent., and 30 per cent, classes, reserving the consideration of any special items upon which for revenue or other reasons it may be thought desirable to impose a higher rate than 30 per cent. Mr. Mackenzie moved to strike out "30 per cent." Amendment negatived. The motion was then put and carried. The Commission then proceeded to consider, with a view to forming a basis for the report, the items under the head* of " clothing and textile goods," it being resolved that the whole of the items should be open to further revision and consideration if any member of the Commission should deem it necessary. The Commission adjourned at 4 p.m. until to-morrow at 10 a.m. * This and other similar references refer to a tabulated list of the items in the tariff, prepared by the Customs Department under various headings, and submitted to the Commission.

Wellington, Satueday, 11th May, 1895. Present : Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Stevens, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Mackenzie, and Mr; Tanner. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Commission resumed the consideration of items under the heading of " clothing and textile goods," and at 1 p.m. adjourned until Monday next, at 10 a.m.

Wellington, Monday, 13th May, 1895. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present : Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Mackenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A letter addressed to the Secretary from the Acting Secretary to the Cabinet, stating that a further extension of time to the end of May was granted, was read. The Commission resumed the consideration of items under the headings of " clothing and textile goods," and also considered the items "boots and shoes," "leather and manufacturers of leather," "furniture," and "household furnishings," and at 5 p.m. adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Wellington, Tuesday, 14th May, 1895. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Mackenzie, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. McGowan. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Commission resumed the consideration of further items under the headings of " paper manufactures and stationery," and " foods and articles for human consumption." A letter was received from the manager, Colonial Sugar-refining Company (Limited), Auckland, asking to be allowed to make some corrections in his evidence. Resolved, That his letter be printed with his evidence. A letter from W. S. Kertes, manager of the Auckland Cycle Company, offering suggestions on the duty affecting bicycle parts, was read. Resolved, That, as the writer was absent from Auckland during the visit of the Commission, the letter be printed with the evidence. Two letters were received and read from Ross and Ansenne, on the question of " ships' supplies " and " oils." Resolved, That, as the writers were absent from Auckland during the visit of the Commission, the letters be printed. The Commission adjourned at 5.15 p.m. till 10 a.m. to-morrow.

Wellington, Wednesday, 15th May, 1895. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Stevens, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Mackenzie, and Mr. Tanner. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Commission took into consideration items 241 " salt," and 242 " sardines."